Universal Access and Human Rights

Each year the National Minority AIDS Council marks World AIDS Day by highlighting the most pressing issues affecting people with HIV in the United States and campaigning for change.

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NMAC also uses the occasion to honor the thousands of faith- and community-based organizations (F/CBOs) and AIDS-serving organizations (ASOs) that make up its constituency; to recognize the many individuals who courageously live with HIV everyday and to remember all of those who lost their lives to AIDS. They are our friends, partners and heroes on the frontlines of the AIDS epidemic in this country.

Unfortunately, the recent economic downturn has forced too many of our constituents to curtail their services -- or shut their doors completely. We regularly hear from people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/As) that are being forced to choose between doctor visits and food. Even more alarming, federal and state funding cuts have meant that thousands of PLWH/As nationwide are now lingering on AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) wait lists, unable to access their life-saving medications. We cannot stand by and let people suffer simply because they couldnt afford their medications.

NMAC is committed to utilizing the full force of its more than 20 years of advocacy experience in Washington to ensure that universal access and human rights remain front and center!

Recognized as the preeminent HIV/AIDS advocacy organization representing people of color living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS and the community based organizations that serve them, NMAC continues to provide leadership in the development of HIV policies, programs and intervention strategies targeted at communities of color.

Building a strong community of leaders is central to our mission. Developing a national grassroots approach and assembling a sustainable coalition of community based organizations, is the most effective way to ensure healthier communities of color now and in the future.

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